The 390ft-long, 98ft-wide boat weighs an astonishing 2,500 tonnes - more than the Statue of Liberty - and is able to carry up to 5,000 passengers.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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Visitors to the boat learn about the story of Noah's Ark, as told in the Bible, Genesis 6.14-6.16. Noah - and two animals from every species on Earth - survived as God sent rains to cleanse the world of wickedness.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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Huiber first became inspired to build the vessel, at an estimated cost of €4 million (A$6.24m), after dreaming aged 33 that his home town province of Nood-Holland would be flooded.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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Constructed in The Netherlands, the boat uses American Cedar and Pine Wood around a steel frame.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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Huiber achieved his vision in just four years with eight builders.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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The boat itself is full of life-sized animal statues, such as elephants.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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... and crocodiles...

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... and leopards.

Attribution: Ark of Noah

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Huiber has expressed interest in sailing his copy of ‘God’s Ship’ to Israel after declaring his affection of the Jewish state, labelling it God’s Land.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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The ambitious plan has been temporarily halted as the vessel does not have a motor or sails to propel itself through the ocean.

Attribution: Ark Of Noah

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If he were to use a tug boat for the trip, he could expect to have to pay in the region of €1 million (A$1.56m).